SC Villa coach impressed after first win in CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup

Sports Club Villa head coach Dusan Stojanovic has said he is impressed with the attitude of the players after picking a deserved 3-1 win against Singida Black Stars FC in a Group C match at the on-going Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024.

The Uganda Premier League reigning champions kick started their campaign with a goalless draw against El Merriekh Bentiu FC from South Sudan, but came all out against the Tanzanian side on Friday to win at the Azam Complex, Chamazi.

It was Najib Yiga who started the party with so far one of the best goals of the tournament scored two minutes into added time before recess. He capitalised on a good pass and shot from the right hand side far outside the box to beat Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Benedict Haule who had moved of his line.

In the second half Patrick Kakande netted from the spot, and Reagan Mpande made it 3-0 after 56 minutes. The Singida Black Stars FC team kept pushing forward and pulled a goal back after 61 minutes through Marouf Tchakeh.

“I am very happy with the way my players expressed themselves in the win against Singida Black Stars. We started at a low pace in the opening match, and now they team is gaining momentum,” said the SC Villa coach.

Stojanovic made it clear that although they picked a win in the second match, they still have a lot of work to do ahead of the last group match against Rwanda’s APR FC. “I am also glad that the matches in this tournament are preparing the team ahead of the new season,” added Stojanovic.

In the second Group C match APR FC struggled to beat El Merriekh Bentiu FC 1-0 to maintain their top position on the log. Substitute Mamadou Sy netted the lone goal after 70 minutes. The win sends APR Fc to 6 points, while SC Villa now have 4 points.

At the KMC Stadium Zanzibar Premier League champions JKU SC humbled Coastal Union FC 2-0 with Juma Matta Nassoro and Neva Adeline picking the goals. The second match saw Hay Al Wadi (Sudan) defeat Dekadaha FC (Somalia) 2-1. Ahmed Mohamed Zidan and Ahmed Esmat scored for the Sudan team, while Nur Irad pulled one back for Dekadaha.

Action continues today with two Group B matches on card as Sudan’s Al Hilal battle guest side Red Arrows FC (Zambia) in whatr promises to be a thriller, while Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) will also take on ASAS Djibouti Telecom, all at the Azam Complex, Chamazi.

The regional tournament is supported by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Dar Port through the Tanzania Ports Authority, Sudan Football Association (SFA), Azam TV and Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).